Research Shows Dogs Improve Our Workplaces

Animal Researchers Says We're Happier, More Productive When We Bring Pets To Work

By Scottie Lee Meyers

Tuesday, November 29, 2016, 2:00pm

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As far as Sandra Barker is concerned, every day should be bring-your-dog-to-work day.

For nearly 30 years, Barker, director of the Center for Human-Animal Interaction and a psychiatry professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, has been studying the positive effects dogs, and other pets, have on people.

Her latest research found dogs are improving workplace environments by making employees happier, less stressed, more productive and active, as well as increasing social interactions among colleagues.

"What we're finding is that if you have solid policies in place that protect the welfare of the dog as well as your employees, that it can be very positive thing and can indeed reduce stress, and increase communication and increase employees positive perceptions about their workplace," said Barker, who is aware of the serendipity of her last name.

The results didn't come as a surprise to Barker. Her initial research back in 1988 studied how emotionally close people were with their dogs compared to human family members.

"We found that they were as close to their dog as to their closest family member, whether that was a spouse or a child," she said. "And in about a third of those individuals, the dog was closer than any human being in their lives emotionally."

About 7 percent of employers now allow dogs and other pets to come to work with their owners, according to the Society of Human Resource Management.

But not all dogs are suited for the office and not everyone enjoys having four-legged co-workers around. Barker said it's important employers have a set of policies that also accommodate those who suffer from pet allergies or are just generally fearful of animals. But finding a way to make it work is well worth it.

"When you think about all that your dog symbolizes, they're non judgmental, give unconditional love, always there for you," Barker said. "I mean they don't care if you shower, what you look like. They're just a very powerful form of social support for us."